Andorra Shops Open Voluntarily on Constitution Day Holiday

Andorra will mark Constitution Day next Saturday with a mix of official events and varied commercial activity across the country. The public holiday commemorates the 1993 approval of the country's Magna Carta and remains one of the principal institutional dates on the national calendar.

The government has authorised shops to open on a voluntary and exceptional basis, leaving the decision to individual businesses despite the day being a mandatory, paid and non-recoverable holiday for most sectors under current law. Legislation allows the executive to waive closure requirements when the date falls on a weekend or during high tourist influx periods, as it does this year.

Commercial activity will differ by parish and business type. In Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, the Eix Central association president, Noemí Rodríguez, said major retailers and the Illa Carlemany shopping centre along the main commercial axis plan to follow regular hours. Many smaller shops, however, will stay closed to observe the holiday.

In the Riberaygua and adjacent areas, merchants' president Sergi Carvalho noted that service outlets like hairdressers and some restaurants will shut, while most stores expect to open normally, anticipating weekend footfall comparable to other festive periods.

The historic centre of Andorra la Vella will see about half its businesses open, according to the local merchants' association. Confirmed openings include restaurants, a pharmacy and various shops, ensuring some service for visitors strolling the old quarter.

Further afield, Encamp and La Massana will largely close, with hairdressers, florists, hardware stores, pharmacies and haberdasheries prioritising rest. Exceptions centre on ski-related outlets, which will operate amid peak season to serve guests; the Funicamp will also remain open until the season ends on 6 April.

Restaurants in the capital present a mixed picture. Of seven checked in Andorra la Vella, six will close for the holiday, while one plans standard weekday service without menu or schedule changes. Overall, dining options will vary, with some venues catering to locals and tourists celebrating the day, and others taking a break.